Who is the next Welker? (1 Viewer)

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Victor Cruz

He has the ability to be a consistent 100 catch guy in that offense with Eli. His only 'problem' surpassing 100 each year might be he's so good after the catch as well. I expect his YPR to come down a bit with age, but I think he's a shoe in (if he stays healthy & with the Giants) to hit or surpass the 100 catch barrier.

The guy reminds me very much of Torry Holt.

 

[footballnerd]

2012 Santana Moss

 

[lukinrats]

Since someone already mentioned Cobb I'll go a bit off the board and go with Dexter McCluster.

This was going to be mine. However, this is only if they leave him in the slot, and just let him play that position all season. Cassel is the perfect QB to get Dexter 7 balls per game. I doubt he will have the kind of yards or TDs that Welker ends up with, but the catches should be easy

 

[Mortimer Ichabod]

Broyles +2

 

[Bad_Mo]

If Amendola is "lightning quick"...why can't he break at least a few long runs after the catch despite having 2-3 guys on him? Something doesn't add up.

 

[bulger2holt]

If Amendola is "lightning quick"...why can't he break at least a few long runs after the catch despite having 2-3 guys on him? Something doesn't add up.

These is a difference between quick and fast. Amendola is quick.

 

[LawFitz]

I agree that Amendola is a poor man's Welker. But not nearly as stout or durable. But that's what makes Welker. Barring his ACL tear, the lil dude has been a rock. You can't take that away and call it the same.

Cobb is much closer to Harvin than Welker, but both play the same position with differing strengths than WW. Put either of those two on the Pats and you'd have a potential BEAST in the Welker role. All these guys bring that small RB-like after catch ability, which is not only good for fantasy but fun to watch. Harvin and Welker have been top ten PPG WR for years from the slot position and are only now starting to get the respect they deserve.

We all focus on the outside guys with our WR corps, but sometimes it's these inside guys that give you some of the best production. That said, I don't think there's another Welker in the league and definitely not with another Tom Brady.

The closest guy I can think of is Davone Bess, but his production has never been anywhere as close with those MIA offenses, so that's really a poor comp despite the physical and playing style similarities.

 

[Ryan99]

There is no next Welker. If you think there's another Welker out there you essentially think the following:

Welker does not have an elite skill set. Players with his combination of physical and mental abilities exist but are consistently overlooked by scouts and coaches or do not play in a system that comes even remotely close to maximizing their potential.

This is ridiculous. Every team in the league is looking for the next Welker. The Patriots are the model for an NFL offense; everyone is trying to imitate them. There are 31 teams worth of people that know a lot more about football than us that get paid a lot of money to find the next Welker, and they haven't been able to do so in 5 years.

Look at the reception numbers last year. Only one other player caught 100 balls last year (happened to be exactly 100), Roddy White (who is often regarded as not even the best receiver on his own team, despite posting 5 consecutive seasons of at least 83/1150/6, but that's a different rant). How far down the list do you have to go to get to a 'Welker type' player? Harvin (87), Cruz (82), lower? In the last 5 years, 19 times has a player have caught 100+ balls in a season; four of those times were Welker. Only 8 times has a player caught 110+; 4 of those times were Welker. He's the first player since Marvin Harrison in 2002 (143!!) to catch 120+ passes and he's done it twice.

In the last 5 years he ranked 1,2,1,6 (Injured!),1 in receptions. This guy is a unique talent playing in an ideal system.

 

[hedzookeeper]

There is no next Welker. If you think there's another Welker out there you essentially think the following:

Welker does not have an elite skill set. Players with his combination of physical and mental abilities exist but are consistently overlooked by scouts and coaches or do not play in a system that comes even remotely close to maximizing their potential.

This is ridiculous. Every team in the league is looking for the next Welker. The Patriots are the model for an NFL offense; everyone is trying to imitate them. There are 31 teams worth of people that know a lot more about football than us that get paid a lot of money to find the next Welker, and they haven't been able to do so in 5 years.

Look at the reception numbers last year. Only one other player caught 100 balls last year (happened to be exactly 100), Roddy White (who is often regarded as not even the best receiver on his own team, despite posting 5 consecutive seasons of at least 83/1150/6, but that's a different rant). How far down the list do you have to go to get to a 'Welker type' player? Harvin (87), Cruz (82), lower? In the last 5 years, 19 times has a player have caught 100+ balls in a season; four of those times were Welker. Only 8 times has a player caught 110+; 4 of those times were Welker. He's the first player since Marvin Harrison in 2002 (143!!) to catch 120+ passes and he's done it twice.

In the last 5 years he ranked 1,2,1,6 (Injured!),1 in receptions. This guy is a unique talent playing in an ideal system.

Which Salas in a deep keeper or dynasty league a good choice but in a redraft league: a shot in the dark.

 

[cracKer]

McCluster & Cobb

 

[Donnybrook]

TY Hilton

On his way.

 

[JackReacher]

TY Hilton

On his way.

Big fan of Hilton, but I'm not sure he could stand up to the pounding Welker endures. Desean is a better comp for Hilton for me

 

[MountainMan0726]

Very deep pick but I've been keeping an eye on Devon Wylie, if KC can ever find a QB.

 

[Chazzhawk]

He is already here but it is Harvin. He was well on his way to 100 + catches and single digit touchdown catches.

 

[FF Ninja]

He is already here but it is Harvin. He was well on his way to 100 + catches and single digit touchdown catches.

Will he stay in Minnesota, though? Through 8 weeks he was on a pace for 158 targets, 120 receptions, 1334 yards, and 6 TDs with 36/144/2 rushing. If he signs somewhere else, it would be hard to tell how he'd be used. Hit spats with the HC are troublesome.

 

[FUBAR]

Very deep pick but I've been keeping an eye on Devon Wylie, if KC can ever find a QB.

If we're going deep, I'd love to see what Dwayne Harris could do if Witten, Austin or Dez weren't around. Too many receivers in Dallas but I'm liking Harris's game.

 

[pizzatyme]

TY Hilton

This. Watch the Colts get another impact WR opposite of Wayne for next year and TY looks like Paris running wild streaking in the middle.

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

Andrew Hawkins would be my pick... Not sure he will get a shot at a piece of the pie in Cincy to do it like Wes but I really like his skill set and he is more dynamic in the open field than Welker in my opinion... He is an exclusive rights FA this offseason and Cincy will need to decide whether or not they want to use their 'tag' to keep him or use their tag on the likes of Manny Lawson, Geathers, Maualuga, Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, Pat Sims, Thomas Howard, or Pacman Jones... If they choose not to tag him he surely could look to resign with Cincy but he runs the risk of losing playing time to the likes of Marvin Jones & Sanu... Was the signing of Sanzenbacher a sign that they feel they may not be willing to work hard to resign Hawkins or just a depth move?

Maybe its just a gut feeling but I feel like Hawkins is exactly the type of player that the Patriots like to target... Quick, explosive, seems to be a high character guy based on some of his community work that he has been involved with.

Easy to root for as a fan because of the Michael Irvin show a few years back and he certainly seems like he belongs in this league. He also adds an element in the return game that hasnt been discussed much this yr because Cincy already has a couple of return specialists in brandon tate and pacman jones.

 

[Chazzhawk]

He is already here but it is Harvin. He was well on his way to 100 + catches and single digit touchdown catches.

Will he stay in Minnesota, though? Through 8 weeks he was on a pace for 158 targets, 120 receptions, 1334 yards, and 6 TDs with 36/144/2 rushing. If he signs somewhere else, it would be hard to tell how he'd be used. Hit spats with the HC are troublesome.

That is the million dollar question.

 

[squistion]

Very deep pick but I've been keeping an eye on Devon Wylie, if KC can ever find a QB.

If we're going deep, I'd love to see what Dwayne Harris could do if Witten, Austin or Dez weren't around. Too many receivers in Dallas but I'm liking Harris's game.

I like Harris too, but if we are talking about a Welker type player, I think another Cowboy's WR, Cole Beasley fits the bill a little better. At this point Beasley is just a stash for very deep PPR dynasty leagues, but I can see him eventually being a solid slot receiver - although his upside and fantasy value in that role will be limited until age catches up with Jason Witten (who doesn't seem to be slowing down much).

 

[zilladog]

Aaron Hernandez.

 

[Run It Up]

Aaron Hernandez.

Wes Welker.

 

[donkshow]

TY Hilton is a good pick, but he's got a lot of competition for balls with Wayne, Avery, Fleener, Allen and the RB's.

Randall Cobb baby.

 

[JetMaxx]

Finding a guy that catches 100+ year after year and then drops the most important pass of his career? Probably harder to find than you think.

 

[cstu]

Very deep pick but I've been keeping an eye on Devon Wylie, if KC can ever find a QB.

I think they'll get a QB but he has to stay healthy, something he's never done. Worth a pickup in case he does though. If Bowe leaves as expected I believe he's the 2nd best WR on the team.

 

[pizzatyme]

Finding a guy that catches 100+ year after year and then drops the most important pass of his career? Probably harder to find than you think.

Andre Johnson this last week versus the Colts? that was easy.

 

[FF Ninja]

Finding a guy that catches 100+ year after year and then drops the most important pass of his career? Probably harder to find than you think.

Andre Johnson this last week versus the Colts? that was easy.

Most important pass of his career? Arian Foster ran it in like 2 plays after that.

 

[FF Ninja]

I don't know why I didn't think about mentioning him earlier, but the Cotton Bowl reminded me that Ryan Swope is an interesting talent. He lined up in a lot of different places in Mike Sherman's offense and had good chemistry with Ryan Tannehill and proved that he wasn't just a system player by putting together some impressive performances in a new offense this year. Perhaps he gets his start in Miami (with Sherman and Tannehill) much like Welker did. But the Dolphins aren't going to get him as cheaply as they did Welker.

Bleacher Report

Potential Patriot

 

[Bri]

A shifty receiver who consistently catches 100 or more balls playing mainly from the slot. Does he exist and if so, who he be?

he's too unique.Marc Mariani reminds me of a young Welker, that's about it. Welker was quite fortunate to be given a shot (not every 5-10 WR gets noticed) with the Pats and could very well have continued like he did with the Dolphins. Mariani is an excellent return guy that always makes tough catches in preseason 4th quarters and never gets a chance at WR. He's got the shiftiness and the toughness Welker seems to have and most of all is all-business with his catches. I wish we could see what he'd do if he played WR in games. I really don't think there is a Welker clone in the NFL at all.Young Wayne Chrebet was money on 3rd down. Those highlights and Steve Largent highlights are the only things that remind me of Welker.I've seen Jerry Rice featured on TV as much as anyone did years ago and I firmly believe Welker took those to heart. There's a training a precision and discipline to him that is unusual and only makes me think of Rice.

 

[CoachJankySpanky]

Andrew Hawkins would be my pick... Not sure he will get a shot at a piece of the pie in Cincy to do it like Wes but I really like his skill set and he is more dynamic in the open field than Welker in my opinion... He is an exclusive rights FA this offseason and Cincy will need to decide whether or not they want to use their 'tag' to keep him or use their tag on the likes of Manny Lawson, Geathers, Maualuga, Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, Pat Sims, Thomas Howard, or Pacman Jones... If they choose not to tag him he surely could look to resign with Cincy but he runs the risk of losing playing time to the likes of Marvin Jones & Sanu... Was the signing of Sanzenbacher a sign that they feel they may not be willing to work hard to resign Hawkins or just a depth move? Maybe its just a gut feeling but I feel like Hawkins is exactly the type of player that the Patriots like to target... Quick, explosive, seems to be a high character guy based on some of his community work that he has been involved with.Easy to root for as a fan because of the Michael Irvin show a few years back and he certainly seems like he belongs in this league. He also adds an element in the return game that hasnt been discussed much this yr because Cincy already has a couple of return specialists in brandon tate and pacman jones.

I heard some speculation connecting Hawkins and the Patriots. Probably just some BS dot connecting but I think it would be a good fit. He would be an outstanding Welker replacement.I'll also put a vote in for Wylie if we're going to use all the obvious criteria that seems to come with determining the next Welker.

 

[cstu]

Andrew Hawkins would be my pick... Not sure he will get a shot at a piece of the pie in Cincy to do it like Wes but I really like his skill set and he is more dynamic in the open field than Welker in my opinion... He is an exclusive rights FA this offseason and Cincy will need to decide whether or not they want to use their 'tag' to keep him or use their tag on the likes of Manny Lawson, Geathers, Maualuga, Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, Pat Sims, Thomas Howard, or Pacman Jones... If they choose not to tag him he surely could look to resign with Cincy but he runs the risk of losing playing time to the likes of Marvin Jones & Sanu... Was the signing of Sanzenbacher a sign that they feel they may not be willing to work hard to resign Hawkins or just a depth move? Maybe its just a gut feeling but I feel like Hawkins is exactly the type of player that the Patriots like to target... Quick, explosive, seems to be a high character guy based on some of his community work that he has been involved with.Easy to root for as a fan because of the Michael Irvin show a few years back and he certainly seems like he belongs in this league. He also adds an element in the return game that hasnt been discussed much this yr because Cincy already has a couple of return specialists in brandon tate and pacman jones.

I heard some speculation connecting Hawkins and the Patriots. Probably just some BS dot connecting but I think it would be a good fit. He would be an outstanding Welker replacement.I'll also put a vote in for Wylie if we're going to use all the obvious criteria that seems to come with determining the next Welker.

Hawkins is a ERFA so he's not going anywhere unless the Bengals trade him. Upside is limited in that offense.Wylie also fits the profile (nothing to do with his color) with him being nearly the same size (5-9, 187 vs 5-9, 195 for Welker). He's faster (4.39 to 4.6) but has been very injury prone.Tavon Austin has the potential to be a top slot WR.Harvin is already there as the 'next Welker' if referring to a slot WR but physically he's far superior. Amendola is the currently the closest comparison in terms of production without great measurables.

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

Andrew Hawkins would be my pick... Not sure he will get a shot at a piece of the pie in Cincy to do it like Wes but I really like his skill set and he is more dynamic in the open field than Welker in my opinion... He is an exclusive rights FA this offseason and Cincy will need to decide whether or not they want to use their 'tag' to keep him or use their tag on the likes of Manny Lawson, Geathers, Maualuga, Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, Pat Sims, Thomas Howard, or Pacman Jones... If they choose not to tag him he surely could look to resign with Cincy but he runs the risk of losing playing time to the likes of Marvin Jones & Sanu... Was the signing of Sanzenbacher a sign that they feel they may not be willing to work hard to resign Hawkins or just a depth move? Maybe its just a gut feeling but I feel like Hawkins is exactly the type of player that the Patriots like to target... Quick, explosive, seems to be a high character guy based on some of his community work that he has been involved with.Easy to root for as a fan because of the Michael Irvin show a few years back and he certainly seems like he belongs in this league. He also adds an element in the return game that hasnt been discussed much this yr because Cincy already has a couple of return specialists in brandon tate and pacman jones.

I heard some speculation connecting Hawkins and the Patriots. Probably just some BS dot connecting but I think it would be a good fit. He would be an outstanding Welker replacement.I'll also put a vote in for Wylie if we're going to use all the obvious criteria that seems to come with determining the next Welker.

Hawkins is a ERFA so he's not going anywhere unless the Bengals trade him. Upside is limited in that offense.Wylie also fits the profile (nothing to do with his color) with him being nearly the same size (5-9, 187 vs 5-9, 195 for Welker). He's faster (4.39 to 4.6) but has been very injury prone.Tavon Austin has the potential to be a top slot WR.Harvin is already there as the 'next Welker' if referring to a slot WR but physically he's far superior. Amendola is the currently the closest comparison in terms of production without great measurables.

Maybe I have it wrong but I think teams are only able to use one tag to keep a player... Whether they choose to use that on a franchise tag or the ERFA tag or the transition tag but only one... With some of the other players that they need to make decisions on I think it is at least conceivable that Hawkins hits the mkt... Maybehe re-signs with cincy and maybe not. I agree his upside is limited in cincy with sanu jones green and Gresham.

 

[David Yudkin]

Maybe I have it wrong but I think teams are only able to use one tag to keep a player... Whether they choose to use that on a franchise tag or the ERFA tag or the transition tag but only one... With some of the other players that they need to make decisions on I think it is at least conceivable that Hawkins hits the mkt... Maybehe re-signs with cincy and maybe not. I agree his upside is limited in cincy with sanu jones green and Gresham.

I do not believe there are any limits on use of the ERFA designation. It's the franchise and transition tags that are limited to one use per season.

 

[texasheat]

does he have to be white?

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

Maybe I have it wrong but I think teams are only able to use one tag to keep a player... Whether they choose to use that on a franchise tag or the ERFA tag or the transition tag but only one... With some of the other players that they need to make decisions on I think it is at least conceivable that Hawkins hits the mkt... Maybehe re-signs with cincy and maybe not. I agree his upside is limited in cincy with sanu jones green and Gresham.

I do not believe there are any limits on use of the ERFA designation. It's the franchise and transition tags that are limited to one use per season.

ok thanks... after a more extensive search i do believe you are right... Steelers signed to ERFAs just this past yr (Redman & McClendon)maybe it used to be limited?

here are the links that I found

This One is from 2005 (didnt realize that until now)

Excerpt from the above link:

"Transition and Franchise Tags

Each team has one "tag" they can use to lock up a player. They may choose for their tag to be the transition tag, the franchise tag, or the exclusive rights franchise tag. If their one tag is not being used on another player, then the team may choose to designate one of their players as their Transition Free Agent. This name is left over from 1993, when free agency was started and teams were very afraid of losing their top players. "

[i think i misread the bolded to be the Exclusive Rights Free Agent tag.]

This One is from 2012

What are the requirements to be the next Welker? Do you need to be small? Or just a very dynamic slot WR?

If you don't need to be small then I think another option for a dynamic slot WR is Eric Decker next yr. Cecil Lammey has talked about his inability to get off of press coverage well enough to be successful outside long term and he believes the Broncos may look for another outside WR to pair with DT so they can move Decker into the slot where he is better suited. His size inside could be a huge advantage. The biggest question there is whether his value is tied entirely to Peyton Manning or whether he could excel in the slot with at least an above average QB.

I am also intrigued with Greg Salas. A little moreso when I thought he would be in New England next yr but I think they tried to get a little cute with their roster movements and the Eagles snatched him up. I will be curious to see who the next head coach is in Philly and that could certainly affect my opinion of Salas situation for next yr. He came from the spread in Hawaii right? You would think a team that uses the spread offense could use a WR with his skill set. Just seems like he has been caught in a weird situation... drafted by St. Louis when McDaniels was the O-Coordinator. Patriots traded for him... eventually cut him in hopes of slipping him to the practice squad and the Eagles claimed him.

Kinda lends credence to the theory of sometimes guys just slip through the cracks... Im not saying he is a world beater but I just hope he finds the right situation and is able to make something happen...

Maybe he finds himself someday in a situation that plays well to his abilities (or perceived abilities) and can have a Mark Clayton circa St. Louis type of come uppance... or maybe Im just a Greg Salas homer

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Danny Amendola

Imagine if Amendola had Brady throwing to him ? Amendola is every bit as talented as Welker. They are almost clones of each other.

He's not as fast or nearly as strong.

 

[cracKer]

Didn't they get rid of the Transition tag?I don't think Welker is given enough credit for his actual skill, rather he's seen as the slow white guy who fell into a great opportunity with the Pats.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Denard Robinson

 

[cstu]

Andrew Hawkins would be my pick... Not sure he will get a shot at a piece of the pie in Cincy to do it like Wes but I really like his skill set and he is more dynamic in the open field than Welker in my opinion... He is an exclusive rights FA this offseason and Cincy will need to decide whether or not they want to use their 'tag' to keep him or use their tag on the likes of Manny Lawson, Geathers, Maualuga, Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, Pat Sims, Thomas Howard, or Pacman Jones... If they choose not to tag him he surely could look to resign with Cincy but he runs the risk of losing playing time to the likes of Marvin Jones & Sanu... Was the signing of Sanzenbacher a sign that they feel they may not be willing to work hard to resign Hawkins or just a depth move? Maybe its just a gut feeling but I feel like Hawkins is exactly the type of player that the Patriots like to target... Quick, explosive, seems to be a high character guy based on some of his community work that he has been involved with.Easy to root for as a fan because of the Michael Irvin show a few years back and he certainly seems like he belongs in this league. He also adds an element in the return game that hasnt been discussed much this yr because Cincy already has a couple of return specialists in brandon tate and pacman jones.

I heard some speculation connecting Hawkins and the Patriots. Probably just some BS dot connecting but I think it would be a good fit. He would be an outstanding Welker replacement.I'll also put a vote in for Wylie if we're going to use all the obvious criteria that seems to come with determining the next Welker.

Hawkins is a ERFA so he's not going anywhere unless the Bengals trade him. Upside is limited in that offense.Wylie also fits the profile (nothing to do with his color) with him being nearly the same size (5-9, 187 vs 5-9, 195 for Welker). He's faster (4.39 to 4.6) but has been very injury prone.Tavon Austin has the potential to be a top slot WR.Harvin is already there as the 'next Welker' if referring to a slot WR but physically he's far superior. Amendola is the currently the closest comparison in terms of production without great measurables.

Maybe I have it wrong but I think teams are only able to use one tag to keep a player... Whether they choose to use that on a franchise tag or the ERFA tag or the transition tag but only one... With some of the other players that they need to make decisions on I think it is at least conceivable that Hawkins hits the mkt... Maybehe re-signs with cincy and maybe not. I agree his upside is limited in cincy with sanu jones green and Gresham.

Speaking of Sanu, I think Hawkins has to compete with him for the slot job. Marvin Jones has a hold on the #2 job right now and played almost every snap the past three weeks.

 

[tim_whatley]

Danny Amendola

Imagine if Amendola had Brady throwing to him ? Amendola is every bit as talented as Welker. They are almost clones of each other.

wow.

I watch every Rams and almost 50% of Pats games. They are near identical players. Just because you haven't seen play doesn't mean I am wrong.

I have watched almost every Texas Tech football game for the last 20 years. Danny A is no where close to Welker, in college or in the pros.

 

[Xue]

TY Hilton is a good pick, but he's got a lot of competition for balls with Wayne, Avery, Fleener, Allen and the RB's.Randall Cobb baby.

Hilton is more of a deep threat. 4.3 speed, 17.2 YPR. He's everything we wanted from Jacoby Ford.

 

[Xue]

Denard Robinson

He's going to be a RB in the NFL.

 

[JetMaxx]

Finding a guy that catches 100+ year after year and then drops the most important pass of his career? Probably harder to find than you think.

After today's performance, the legend lives on.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

Most anything away from his body he has trouble bringing in. Usually welker is facing Brady and Brady nails him in the breadbasket. I blame his freakishly short alligator arms........not saying he gets alligator arms, just that he has alligator arms